Mullein: properties of a great remedy for cough and allergy

Mullein is a great natural remedy in traditional medicine to relieve respiratory conditions, allergies and certain skin disorders.

the mullein Verbascum thapsus L. It is a robust plant, which forms a broad rosette of basal leaves and small yellow flowers, highly coveted by countless pollinating insects. It has been used for medicinal purposes since ancient times. It is also known as verbasco, candelaria, guardalobo or guilla wedge in Catalan. In the Middle Ages it had been used as a torch, smearing the stem with oil and igniting it.

The plant grows throughout Europe, except for the extreme north, in mountain meadows, dry hills, land subjected to clearing or avalanches, areas affected by forest fires and along trails and paths. It blooms in summer and it is the flowers that are used for medicinal purposes. They can be collected in summer, when they are well formed, or at the end of spring, when they begin to appear in the inflorescence. To a lesser extent, the leaves and roots are also collected.

In this video you will find two infusions for coughs, one of the main indications for mullein, in which its flowers are used together with other related plants.

mullein properties

Mullein flowers are very rich in mucilagesa type of soluble fiber that is viscous in nature.

They also contain flavonoids such as verbascoside, hesperoside, rutoside, quercetin, kenferol or luteolol, as well as traces of essential oil, iridoid glycosides, such as aucubaside, harpagoside and harpágido, tannins, carotenoid pigments, phytosterols, sugars.

Due to its composition, the mullein has anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, antitussive propertiesdemulcent, expectorant, diaphoretic, antirheumatic, diuretic, antidiarrheal, antioxidant, antibiotic, antiviral, antibacterialantipruritic and healing.

What is the mullein used for?

Mullein remedies are used to relieve respiratory problemsYes, and for this purpose it has been used since ancient times.

Due to its great mucilaginous capacity, it is shown very effective in relieving throat irritation, in colds, flu processes, pharyngitis, laryngitis, bronchitis, asthmatic bronchitis and allergies. It had also been used, in traditional treatments, to combat hoarseness and the dry mouth.

1. Mullein for coughs and allergies

The different symptoms of allergies, including spring allergy due to pollen or that caused by dustcan be successfully alleviated with herbal formulas that include mullein.

Due to its properties, mullein helps to reduce some classic allergy symptoms with rhinitis, such as irritative or persistent cough, lung congestion -reduces mucus-, eye inflammation, tearing, runny nose, explosive sneezing and muscle pain.

Mullein also stimulates sweating and contributes to lowering the tenths of fever in flu episodes and other viral infections.

2. Mullein for the eyes

The purified (isotonized) infusion of mullein is applied as an eye wash or eye drops to reduce inflammation in the eyes, to relieve conjunctivitis and inflammation of the eyelids, such as allergy symptoms.

3. Mullein for the skin

Mullein is a traditional remedy for minor burns, sores and skin ulcers, on dermatitis and urticaria, in topical applications. It is applied for its healing properties on minor wounds, scratches and insect bites.

Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, it has been popularly used as antirheumatic home remedyto relieve joint pain, and as a venous tonic, to relieve hemorrhoids, combined with other herbs with which it is complemented.

4. Mullein for digestion and fluid retention

Mullein has been used to treat diarrhoea, to regulate intestinal transit and to relieve heavy digestions. As a diuretic plant, properly combined, it is intended to stimulate diuresis and combat fluid retention and the edemas.

5. Other uses of mullein

Mullein oil has been used to treat otitis and tinnitus, but its efficacy in this regard has not been proven. Are applied two drops of this oil in the ears. Do not try it without medical advice.

The decoction of mullein, associated with loosestrife and other astringent plants, had been used to mitigate the toothache and stop bleeding gums.

How to use mullein

You can find mullein in herbalists in different presentations, depending on the use you want to give it.

in infusion From the dried or fresh plant, mullein is used for respiratory and digestive conditions. Also as a diuretic, combined with other herbs, at a rate of two cups daily. In the form of liquid extract and tincture.The concentrated and isotonized decoction gets ready to apply it in the form of eye drops on the eyelids and around the eyes, when they are inflamed, and in mouthwash, to apply in rinse or gargle in case of pharyngitis, mouth sores, glossitis, toothache, as relief. The decoction in washes to clean and disinfect woundson insect bites, dermatitis and urticaria. fresh leaves in the form of poulticesto apply on burns, scalds, dermatitis and insect bites. mullein oil, which we will obtain by macerating 20 g of mullein flowers in 40 ml of virgin olive oil, applied in drops in case of otitis or in massage as an antirheumatic. It can be purchased at herbalists in jars or gelatin pearls.Hot compresses with infusion of flowers mullein and other herbs have been used as a decongestant, on the chest, in case of colds and flu.

Contraindications and precautions

Mullein flowers, paradoxically, can be somewhat irritating on contact with the pharynx. For this reason it is recommended pass the resulting infusion through a fine cloth to prevent brush from slipping in.

For the rest it is a safe plant, which should be taken in the recommended doses.

home remedies with mullein

We tell you how to prepare an infusion of mullein for allergies and another anti-inflammatory combination to reduce inflammation and ear pain.

Mullein infusion for allergies

This herbal tea helps to alleviate the symptoms of spring allergies, respiratory conditions with persistent or irritative cough, pharyngitis, laryngitis, etc.

Ingredients:

Mullein flowers Thyme tops Helichrysum flowers Marshmallow root Scots pine buds Mint leaves

Preparation:

Mix the different plants in equal parts (for example, 20 grams per plant) and separate a tablespoon of the mixture per glass of water. Boil for 2 minutes and let it rest for another ten. Strain and add syrup or similar.

How much to take: Three to five cups a day, moderately hot, while the allergy persists.

Herbal tea for otitis

This anti-inflammatory formula can reduce inflammation and ear pain.

Ingredients:

Mullein Echinacea Thyme Oregano Lemon Juice

Preparation:

Mix the plants in equal parts (for example, 10 grams per plant) and separate a tablespoon of the mixture per cup of water. Pour the recently boiled water into the pot with the herbs and leave to rest for 10 minutes. Strain and add half a glass of lemon juice.

How much to take: Up to 3 glasses a day, while the pain lasts.